http://www.topnews.in/files/dementia_0.jpgAt present there are approximately 41,000 New Zealanders living with dementia, this is expected to increase to 77,000 in 2026 (Ryall, 2010 ¶ 12). What can be done to cope with this huge increase? Ryall, 2010 has acknowledged that it is becoming increasingly harder to find suitable care for people with dementia. $5 million dollars a year for the next 5 years has been invested in respite beds for older people with dementia.
Is this enough? Respite care is only a few weeks, not a lifetime of care for someone as vulnerable as a dementia sufferer.
Occupational therapists have a lot to offer with elder dementia care. Not only could we be involved in the educating, role modelling and supporting of carers we are a proven resource in dementia units.
Gitlin, Corcoran & Leinmiller-Eckhardt (1995) as cited in Chung, (1997) state that occupational therapists often do not consider the needs of carers and the unique way they care for their stricken family member when intervening with older people with dementia. This leads to disillusionment and ultimately a lack of compliance with interventions on the carers part. Maybe this is an area that a framework could be established to ensure collaborative and proacvtive relationships are formed with carers?
What are your thoughts? If anybody has experience with dementia, I would be interested to hear from you.
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
ReplyDeleteThose statistics are incredible, that is a large proportion of New Zealander's who are/will be experiencing dementia. Carer's are a vital part of dementia sufferers lives and should recieve effective education and training about how to care for their client. I think the establishment of a framework in this area would be a great idea, as there is little research or guidance in this area of practice.
I have previously worked in a resthome as a caregiver for elderly patients, some who had dementia. Personally, I would have found it very helpful to have had some more guidance and education when working with these particular patients. It would have given me more confidence and ensured I treated them in the appropriate manner.
Thanks Anna, its nice to know my thoughts are reciprocated by somebody else. Especially someone who has experience working with dementia.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, the statistics are quite profound. They will have huge implications in the near future and respite beds just aren't enough. Education and training are essential if carers are to be acknowledged and dementia sufferers treated with dignity and respect.
In regards to a framework, the challenge is to create and adapt a suitable framework that works.
Jamie